Crowd Trouble In the West Ham vs Chelsea Match

Last night saw West Ham United secure a place in the Quarter finals of the EFL Cup thanks to a win over rivals Chelsea at the London Stadium. Goals from Checkiou Kouyate and Edemilson Fernandes saw the Irons through despite a late consolation from England International Gary Cahill. However, such a special night for Slaven Bilic’s club will be overshadowed by deeply alarming crowd troubles.

Seven arrests have been made in relation to the match last night after it was reported that bottles, seats and coins were being thrown in the stadium. This has come in addition to more arrests and brawls in the vast majority of West Ham’s matches in the London Stadium. Hundreds of West Ham and Chelsea fans were fighting also outside of the stadium towards the Stratford area.

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has believes the behaviour of some of his fans is “unacceptable” and he goes on to say that “we are totally against it as a club.”

Security was boosted at the game after many of the stewards and police officers were scrutinised for having no control over some of the criminals. In response to this riot police were in presence as well as an alcohol ban.

In addition to the fighting, the FA have also launched an investigation into a plan of homophobic chants aimed towards Chelsea captain John Terry. Leaflets of lyrics of the chant was given to West Ham fans as they entered the London Stadium by other Hammers. Officials from West Ham United have announced that they are “investigating the alleged distribution of the flyers” and that they plan to “take the strongest possible action against those responsible.”

It is clear that more will develop from this deeply alarming and depressing story. Obviously more arrests will be made and the Premier League hope that this shocking behaviour will stop from a small minority of fans.